PRUNING 



189 



FRUIT TREES. In pruning fruit trees for home ' grounds there 

 should be an effort to keep them always low headed and open. This 

 means that from the start the branches should be encouraged to grow 

 out from the main trunk. Avoid allowing the branches to start so 

 that a crotch is formed and have them distributed around the tree so 

 that when they bear fruit there will be a natural balance. As the 

 years pass, less pruning is necessary on fruit trees, except to keep the 

 center open so that some light can get in to color the fruit. Dead or 

 crowded branches must be removed. Any appearance of disease is 

 better cut out than any treatment that can be given it. A tree once 

 in good bearing condition seldom needs extensive pruning. 



EVERGREENS need little pruning except to correct any lack of 

 uniformity of growth. Many times in Pines, among the young 

 growths some appear to be away ahead of others; if care is exercised 

 they may be slightly pinched to check growth in that direction. Even 

 if the leader of Spruces or Firs is lost, they seem capable of making a 

 new one. Much can be done by staking and training of evergreens, 

 assisted by pruning. The latter operation may lead to gumming if 

 done carelessly or at an improper time. 



